Team News: Arsenal v City

Daniel Farke says late decisions will be made on the fitness of Christoph Zimmermann and Nelson Oliveira as City prepare to visit Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.

Zimmermann was withdrawn after an hour of the East Anglian derby victory over Ipswich Town on Sunday but Farke says his injury isn't as serious as first thought.

“He took a hit against knee and it was quite swollen after the game,” he said, speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference. “It didn’t look too good but overnight, it developed in a good way.

"We will make a late decision on whether he’s available to play. We are without Grant Hanley who is cup tied so we have some problems in defensive terms. We’ll do everything and I hope he [Zimmermann] can play tomorrow.

“It wasn’t anything bad. He wasn’t able to run and jump but he’s a strong guy and he’ll do everything to be available. It would be helpful if he is able to run and jump so we will see."

Meanwhile, Oliveira was an unused substitute at Portman Road and Farke says his current injury issue is “complicated”.

“He feels much better,” added Farke. “We have to take short term decisions with him at the moment and it will be late decision. He will travel and have a short training session today and in the morning. He looked really sharp last week and I hope he is available for us.

“The old problems with his groin are done. He still feels some pain from his stomach and back and it goes into his groin and we can’t find the reason why. He has also been seeing the dentist after problems with his teeth. It’s pretty complicated but there may be a solution. Perhaps his body has to adapt. It’s not easy for him or the whole group and it kills him in the head a little bit because he knows he is in good shape. Hopefully it improves.”

Elsewhere, Russell Martin has been absent from first team action for a number of weeks now but after playing 90 minutes for the U23s on Friday evening, he will travel to north London.

“Russ will travel with us. It’s really good that he played on Sunday for the U23s and he feels good so he will be with us. Steven Naismith was not able to train at the end of last week and it’s too early for him tomorrow."

Farke rounded off his injury update by adding: “There were some problems with sickness overnight. Josh [Murphy] and Marco [Stiepermann] have suffered from a bit of tonsillitis but I don’t think it’s too bad and I hope they’re available.”